3.The Tilak, The Slap, and a Hint of Heart
Reyansh
You didn’t look at me properly.
Reyansh
People usually try to place someone. You haven’t even tried.
Aarohi
I don’t like guessing people. I like knowing them when they’re ready.
That makes Reyansh pause. He looks at her a little longer — not expecting that answer.
Aarohi
I don’t waste smart on just anyone
The temple stands quiet behind them, incense in the air, soft bells ringing in the distance
Aarohi
(watching them, mock serious):
Reyansh… we need to go see what these lovebirds are doing.
Reyansh
(smirks):
You want to spy on them?
Aarohi
(getting up):
Yes! What if they’re about to make kids here? I don’t want to be the witness to a PG-13 scandal in a sacred place.
Reyansh
(standing slowly):
They’re just talking.
Aarohi
Yeah, yeah. So were Romeo and Juliet before the drama started.
They walk toward the other side where there's a small mirror and baskets with tilak, flowers, and diya oil. Aarohi stops at the mirror and picks up a small stick and the yellow tilak paste.
Aarohi
(suddenly):
I want to try something.
Aarohi
(grins):
No, on me. You see that Krishna idol? The tilak on his forehead — it’s long, neat, shaped. I want mine like that. Not those two-minute dabs people do.
Reyansh
I actually know how to make it like that.
Aarohi nods, standing confidently in front of him. He dips the stick carefully, moves closer. The moment is oddly quiet. Intimate. His hands are steady.
He finishes. Aarohi steps to the mirror and looks... then freezes.
Aarohi
(eyes wide):
“Reyansh."
Aarohi
(emotion rising):
What. Did. You. Do. To. My. Face?
Reyansh
(blinking):
Uhh… tilak?
Aarohi
This is not Krishna-style tilak! This is some... wedding guest disaster!
Reyansh
(confused, still holding the stick):
I swear I made the triangle and curve
Aarohi
(emotional):
You RUINED it! It looks like a cartoon tick!
Aarohi
(She suddenly slaps him — not harshly, but in pure drama. Once. Then again)
Reyansh
(frozen):
Wait—did you just–? Did that actually happen–?
Aarohi
(She stands there, angry, almost teary-eyed)
Reyansh
(hand on his cheek, trying not to smile):
Are you gonna cry? Or slap me again? Or both?
Aarohi
(genuinely upset):
How could you do this? I trusted your hands! I wanted something spiritual and you made me look like I got stamped at Holi mela!
Reyansh
(gently, holding back laughter):
I’m sorry. Hit me again if it helps. I’ll let you break my nose next time.
Keshav and Mansi rush over, seeing the tension.
Mansi
What happened?! Why is Aarohi redder than her tilak?
Aarohi
(turning to her):
“Your brother just gave me a forehead trauma!”
Keshav
(holding back laugh):
Wait... you slapped him?
Reyansh
(still smiling, nodding slowly):
She slapped me. Twice. I think I’ve reached spiritual awakening.
Mansi
(cracking up):
Okay okay. Drama queen, come here. Let me fix your divine makeup.
Aarohi
(pouting):
I’m never letting a boy draw on my face again.
Everyone bursts into laughter. The tension fades. The wind carries it all away. But something — something real — settles quietly in Reyansh's heart.
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